Some Vermont parents object to vaccine exemption form

MONTPELIER (AP) - Vermont lawmakers are hearing from parents who are objecting to new state Health Department rules governing exemptions from childhood immunizations.

Health Department rules written to implement a new vaccination law passed last spring require parents seeking an exemption to sign a form saying they've been educated about the risks and benefits of vaccines.

Parents who voiced skepticism about vaccines during last session's legislative debate say the form implies they agree with the Health Department's assessment of those risks and benefits.

They argue that amounts to compelled speech, in violation of the U.S. Constitution's protections for free speech.

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